Anastrozole is an extremely powerful anti-estrogen officially belonging to the Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) family. Developed in the early 1990’s by Zenaca Pharmaceuticals and released in 1995 under the trade name Arimidex, this is perhaps the most commonly used AI and one of the most common anti-estrogens on the market. Arimidex has proven to be very effective in breast cancer treatment, even more so than traditional Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate), and is a favorite anti-estrogen among many anabolic steroid users. Countless anabolicsteroid users rely on Arimidex for on cycle estrogenic protection. Many anabolic steroids
have the ability to aromatase and lead to excess estrogen, which in
turn can lead to some of the most commonly associated side effects of
anabolic steroid use.

Arimidex Functions & Traits:

The functions and traits of Arimidex although powerful are extremely
simple. As an AI Arimidex functions by blocking the aromatase enzyme,
which is in turn responsible for the production of estrogen. By
inhibiting the aromatase process, Arimidex will lower the body’s serum
estrogen levels; in fact, a total suppression of estrogen by 80% has
been well noted with this AI. This will prove very beneficial to
numerous breast cancer patients and extremely valuable to many anabolic steroid users.

Arimidex also has the ability to stimulate the release of Luteinizing
Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), two hormones
essential to natural testosterone production. This has led some physicians to use the AI in low testosterone
treatment plans in place of testosterone, but it’s generally not the
best choice. Arimidex in a low testosterone plan is generally better
served in conjunction with testosterone therapy. We will look more into this when we discuss the effects of Arimidex later on.

Effects of Arimidex:

As an anti-estrogen, Arimidex is valuable to the breast cancer
patient as many forms of breast cancer feed off of the estrogen hormone.
While perhaps an oversimplification, by administering Arimidex the
effect starves the cancer. For decades Nolvadex was used for this
purpose. Nolvadex has the ability to bind to the estrogen receptors,
which in turn prevents estrogen from binding. However, AI’s like
Arimidex actively inhibit the production of estrogen and reduce the
actual amount of circulating hormone. In short, there is no estrogen
available to cause damage to the breast cancer patient. In recent years,
Arimidex has become the leading anti-estrogen in the treatment of
hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, especially among
post-menopausal women. Once the cancer has subsided, it is not uncommon
for Nolvadex to be introduced in order to keep the cancer at bay.

For the anabolic steroid user, the effects of Arimidex are greatly
appreciated in its ability to protect against estrogenic related side
effects. Many anabolic steroids
have the ability to promote estrogenic side effects due to the
testosterone hormone’s interaction with the aromatase enzyme. As
aromatization occurs, estrogen levels rise and this can lead to gynecomastia
and excess water retention. When excess water retention becomes severe,
this can also promote high blood pressure. Not all anabolic steroids
aromatize, and as such, not all can lead to estrogenic related effects.
However, many common steroids do carry the ability to promote estrogenic
activity including Dianabol, all forms of Nandrolone and Boldenone to a degree and of course, all forms of testosterone heavily.

By including Arimidex in an anabolic steroid cycle
that contains aromatizing steroids, the individual can protect against
gynecomastia and water retention. This will also protect against high
blood pressure. Some steroids can still cause high blood pressure
without water retention, but heavy excess water retention is the number
one culprit of high blood pressure among anabolic steroid users. Without
question, AI’s like Arimidex are the most effective anti-estrogens for
combating estrogenic related side effects. SERM’s like Nolvadex can also
be useful and while not as effective should be the first choice when
possible. Arimidex has the ability to negatively affect cholesterol as
we will see in the side effects section. However, we will also find
cholesterol issues can be avoided.

As a testosterone stimulating compound, Arimidex can be appealing for
low testosterone treatment plans and for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) for
anabolic steroid users. In the case of low testosterone treatment, it’s
often not enough. However, it can still be beneficial in conjunction
with exogenous testosterone therapy in protecting against estrogenic
side effects. As for PCT use, some will attempt it and it can have a
positive effect, but it is generally not recommended. The main purpose
of a PCT plan is to stimulate natural testosterone production in order
to protect lean muscle tissue, keep body fat under control and promote a
better state of health. However, the overall purpose is normalization,
which cannot be reached when using Arimidex post cycle due to the
tremendous estrogen reduction. Although high levels of estrogen can be
problematic, some is necessary to proper bodily function, especially
regarding the immune system and cardiovascular health. For the anabolic
steroid user, AI’s should be saved for on cycle use with SERM’s being
used for PCT.

Side Effects of Arimidex:

Arimidex carries with it several possible side effects. Many of the
side effects of Arimidex will be response related. Response side effects
are common with all medications; some of us can take Aspirin while
others can’t. The side effects of Arimidex will also vary depending on
anabolic steroid use in a few specific areas. Those who are using
Arimidex without anabolic steroids often report weakness and fatigue; in
fact, this may be the most common side effect of Arimidex. Most
anabolic steroid users will not have this issue with low dose Arimidex
use. However, we can make an exception when it is used in hard cutting
or competition cycles when calories are very low and training often
extremely intense. Other possible side effects of Arimidex use include:

Headache

Hot Flashes

High Blood Pressure

Joint Pain

Depression (rare)

Nausea and or Vomiting (rare)

Arimidex studies have also shown that the AI may have the ability to
decrease bone mineral content, which in turn could make the individual
more susceptible to osteoporosis.
This shouldn’t be a big issue for anabolic steroid users as many
anabolic steroids have the ability to promote bone mineral content. As
for the primary six possible side effects of Arimidex listed above,
while possible most adults should be able to use the AI without any
related issues, but keep in mind such issues are possible. We all
respond to varying medications differently, we even respond to varying
foods differently, which can make total response on an individual basis
impossible to fully predict.

The final issue revolving around the side effects of Arimidex
surrounds cholesterol. Arimidex does have the ability to negatively
effect cholesterol levels, but alone it doesn’t appear to be significant
in most cases. However, when conjoined with anabolic steroid use,
specifically an aromatizing steroid like testosterone it appears to be
significant. For example, studies have shown that a moderate dose of Testosterone Enanthate
for 12 weeks does not appear to have a strong affect on cholesterol.
However, when this same dose is coupled with an AI like Arimidex it can
suppress HDL cholesterol by as much as 25%. In this case, we’re actually
talking about therapeutic level doses as well as performance. True
performance doses of testosterone will have a stronger impact on HDL
cholesterol, and again around a 20%+ decrease in HDL when conjoined with
an AI.

Due to the potential cholesterol issues brought on by Arimidex use by
the anabolic steroid user, a healthy and cholesterol friendly lifestyle
is extremely important. A healthy lifestyle should first and foremost
surround your diet. Diets should be low and very limited in saturated
fats and simple sugars. They should also be rich in omega fatty acids.
Daily fish oil supplementation is advised. It’s also worthwhile to
consider the use of a cholesterol antioxidant supplement.
And as a final note, if cardiovascular health is to be protected the
individual should always incorporate plenty of cardiovascular training
into his routine. Daily cardiovascular activity is recommended.

Due to the possible cholesterol issues, moderate anabolic steroid cycles
may be best served with SERM’s in order to protect against estrogenic
related side effects. SERM’s will not negatively affect cholesterol; in
fact, SERM’s like Nolvadex have been shown to promote healthy
cholesterol levels due to their ability to act as estrogen in the liver.
However, for many a SERM won’t be enough and AI’s will be necessary. If
an AI is necessary, the individual should limit his use and only use as
much as is actually needed. Some have suggested that a 10mg per day
dosing of Nolvadex along with your Arimidex use may actually aid in
cholesterol management.

Arimidex Administration:

In the treatment of breast cancer, Arimidex is almost always dosed at
1mg per day until the cancer subsides. Use may continue for a time at
this stage and will often be switched to Nolvadex in a preventative
measure once the cancer is in remission.

For the anabolic steroid user, Arimidex doses can vary with 0.5-1mg
every other day being the most common. Very few should ever need more
than 1mg every other day and many will be more than fine with half that
amount. In therapeutic plans such as low testosterone treatment even
less may be needed. We can, however, make an exception in Arimidex doses
for competitive bodybuilders.
Competitive bodybuilders may find a full 1mg every day the last 10-14
days leading up to competition to be useful. This will greatly aid in
hardening, but it will be draining to say the least. Of course, at this
stage of a competition diet most have very little energy to begin with
anyway.

Availability of Arimidex:

Arimidex is widely available on the prescription and black markets. In the U.S. it is not classified as a controlled substance, but you will need a prescription to legally obtain it. As for black market
purchases, nearly all anabolic steroid suppliers carry Arimidex or
another brand of Anastrozole. In recent years, the ability to buy
Anastrozole from research chemical labs (RCL’s) has become very popular.
RCL’s manufacture various non-controlled substances in their liquid
state, often highly concentrated and are able to sell them legally for
research purposes only. This is obviously a loophole in the law many
anabolic steroid users take advantage of. Regardless of how you obtain
it, you will find Arimidex is easier to obtain than many anabolic
steroids.

Buy Arimidex Online - Warning:

Millions buy Arimidex
online though anabolic steroid suppliers or RCL’s. The compound is
rarely counterfeited; whomever you get it from quality will rarely be an
issue. However, if you buy Arimidex online from a steroid supplier you
will be breaking the law. Further, while an RCL purchase is legal, it’s
only legal for research purposes and this could be made an issue if law
enforcement wished to make it one. If you are caught with a supply of
anabolic steroids, your “research” claim will be a stretch. In any case,
the best way to buy Arimidex will always be through the pharmacy based
on the prescription given by your doctor, and it’s not a hard one to
get.

Due to the laws and varying scenarios that surround compounds like
Arimidex and anabolic steroids, you are encouraged to visit the sponsors
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you need to completely remedy your condition.